Iowa Attorney General files lawsuit against scrap metal recycler

 Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller has filed an environmental lawsuit against Feinberg Recycling LLC, Fort Madison, Iowa, as well as Marty Feinberg, the owner of the metals recycling company. In filing the suit, the Attorney General notes that the company has previously been penalized for violating the state’s environmental laws.

In the civil suit, Miller alleges that over the past 20 years the recycler repeatedly violated various state environmental laws that regulate open burning and air quality, storm water discharges and waste tire storage. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Feinberg repeatedly and illegally operated an aluminum sweat furnace, which releases airborne hazardous substances when melting aluminum, and is regulated by state and federal environmental laws.

Feinberg did not seek a mandatory permit for the machinery, according to the lawsuit, or operate it with required equipment to monitor and limit air pollutant emissions.

The lawsuit also alleges that Feinberg illegally stockpiled more than 3,500 waste vehicle tires, and failed to obtain various environmental permits for construction and operations at the facility.

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties and permanent court injunctions.

In 2010, Feinberg was a co-operator of Feinberg Metals Recycling Corp. of Fort Madison. The company name dissolved in 2014.

Feinberg Recycling Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and dissolved a year later.

In 2010, Marty Feinberg, two family members, and their business, Feinberg Metals Recycling Corp., were ordered to pay a $42,000 civil penalty and not to violate certain state environmental laws after the defendants illegally demanufactured and disposed of discarded appliances.

In 1999, Feinberg Metals Recycling paid $1,000 to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for violating environmental laws in 1994 and 1995, including draining waste oils onto the ground.

To view the lawsuit, click here.